Maguro Koya is a small mom-and-pop shop serving affordable tuna dishes, tucked away down a side street near Kintetsu-Nara Station. Maguro, the Japanese word for tuna, is the specialty of the house and a delicacy in Japan. Over the years, this hidden gem has attracted both locals and tourists, who come for its delicious tuna …
It was my first night in Tokyo. After traveling for almost a day, I stopped by my hotel, dropped off my bag, and headed straight out for food before jet lag got me. I had one thing on my mind: ramen. Staying near Tokyo Station, I felt my best option would be to visit Ramen …
Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi is a gyoza restaurant in Kyoto, Japan. Tourists and locals love it for its dumplings and lively atmosphere. The restaurant is in a district known for its dining options and nightlife, close to the Kamo River and the narrow alleys of Pontocho. While there are better restaurants in Kyoto, I enjoy …
If you are looking for a day trip from Nagoya, Inuyama in the Aichi Prefecture is a great choice, located about 30 minutes north by train. The small city, home to about 70,000 people, has many notable sights, including temples, shrines, gardens, and a castle. Inuyama, which means “dog mountain,” is located on the bank …
Niimura, located in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo, Japan, is a restaurant specializing in tonkatsu, or Japanese fried pork cutlets. Before my visit, I had never heard of Niimura. I only noticed the restaurant thanks to a sign in front that displayed a Deep-Fried Pork Cutlet Set with rice and miso soup for 1800 yen. …
Sushi Zanmai Higashi Shinjuku is part of a popular sushi chain found in Japan. It’s well known for its quality sushi at reasonable prices. After traveling for 12 hours from California to Tokyo, I was tired, jet lagged, and in the mood for sushi. Since it was midnight, my options were limited. Exhausted from traveling, …
When my friend found out I was in Tokyo, he recommended I visit Kamo to Negi, a small shop near Ueno Station, famous for their duck ramen. Although I’ve had duck before and enjoyed countless bowls of ramen during my visits to Japan, I had never tried duck ramen. So, I knew it was something …
The famous food scenes of larger Japanese cities like Tokyo and Osaka, along with Kyoto, often overshadow Nagoya cuisine. It’s understandable as these cities attract more tourists and have a stronger presence in international media. Despite having a population of over 2 million, numerous tourist attractions, and a diverse culinary scene influenced by foreign cuisines, …
Founded in 1986, Torikizoku has established itself as one of Japan’s most popular izakaya chains, with almost 700 locations nationwide. Today, the chain is well known for its affordable prices, cozy atmosphere, and freshly prepared yakitori skewers. You can find Torikizoku locations in major cities, including Tokyo (Shinjuku and Shibuya), Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Kobe, and …
When I think of Tokyo, one of the first places that comes to mind is Shinjuku. This vibrant and dynamic ward, or neighborhood, which surrounds Shinjuku Station, is the epicenter of nightlife, entertainment, shopping, business, drinking, and eating in Tokyo. For decades, Shinjuku has attracted both locals and tourists who come from all around to …